Day 3 at the ATP 500-level event Astana is set to bring out some of the world’s best to the courts of the capital of Kazakhstan. Round one matches are finishing up on day three as we are in store for a mixture of first and second-round contests. Off of his title in Tel Aviv, Novak Djokovic looks to take down Cristian Garin for the third time in three meetings. We at LWOT have the prediction for that match as well as all other happenings around the grounds of Astana. But who will advance?
ATP Astana Day 3 Predictions
Marin Cilic vs Oscar Otte
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Marin Cilic and Oscar Otte are set to square off for the first time as they both look to close out strong 2022 seasons. Cilic has had somewhat of a revival this season. The 2014 US Open Champion holds a 31-18 record in 2022 with four semifinal appearances and a final appearance last week in Tel Aviv. His powerful serve+first ball makes him one of the best hard court players in the world. Oscar Otte, on the other hand, is wrapping up his first season where he spent the majority of his time playing in tour-level events. The 29-year-old German holds a 19-21 record on the year but has struggled mightily of late. Otte has won just one of the seven matches he has played since Wimbledon. I trust Cilic and his current form to win out in this one.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
David Goffin vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-Head: Goffin 5-2 Mannarino
Veterans David Goffin and Adrian Mannarino are set to square off for the eighth time, and the second time this season. Mannarino got the better of the Belgian 6-4 6-2 back in February but still trails in the overall head-to-head 2-5. Goffin took out #1 seed Carlos Alcaraz 7-5 6-3 in round one. Alcaraz was certainly not playing his best tennis, but this win is a testament to the level the former top-tenner still possesses. Mannarino came back from a set down to beat Stan Wawrinka to open up his Astana campaign. Both players should be feeling satisfied with their current form. Goffin is 51-34 in his career against lefties. Although he is playing in his first event in six weeks, he proved there is no rust in his game. I like the Belgian to carry his momentum from round one into this match.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Novak Djokovic vs vs Cristian Garin
Head-t0-Head: Djokovic 2-0 Garin
Novak Djokovic captured the title in Tel Aviv last week without dropping a set. He has won the title in three of the last four tournaments he has competed in. Cristian Garin of Chile has the tough task of knocking off a very in-form Novak. The 26-year-old is playing in his first event since his second-round exit at the US Open. Garin is known for his clay-court prowess and holds just a 22-40 tour-level record on hard courts. Djokovic has bested Garin in straight sets in both of their previous encounters. I do not see how this is not the case again in Astana. I sense Djokovic has a bit of a fire to return to his rightful place atop the world rankings, and holding the #4 overall seed in Astana may not be sitting well with him.
Predicion: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
